💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Some people misunderstand the concept of answering salaams, assuming that you only respond to those whom you like, or you have every right to ignore a greeting if it comes from a complete stranger. Others pathetically act according to fluctuating emotions and refuse to answer your salaams if they're in a bad mood.
Regardless of our current emotional state and whether we're close or not to so-and-so, it's our duty as Muslims who value good character to return their salaams rather than being cowardly silent. Even if we're unsure yet about a person's sect or correctness of their belief/'Aqeedah, returning a Muslim's salaam is done not necessarily to declare that you respect them 100% but you respond to their salaams sincerely to maintain proper Islamic manners, in obedience to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala and His noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam.
In the long run, those who repeatedly ignore our salaams indirectly signal to us that they're not worthy of being more than just an acquaintance because they lack basic courtesy, they conceal an enormous load of jealous sentiments from within, or their selfish pride could be a hindrance to a stable friendship.
~•~
📖 Abdullah ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: A man asked the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam “Which Islam is best?” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "To feed the hungry and to greet with peace those you know and those whom you do not know."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 28
Sahih Muslim 39
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: A man passed by the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam while he was sitting in a gathering. The man said, “Peace be upon you.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Ten good deeds.” Another man passed by and he said, “Peace be upon you and the Mercy of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Twenty good deeds.” Another man passed by and he said, “Peace be upon you, the Mercy of Allah, and His Blessings.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Thirty good deeds.” A man stood up to leave the gathering and he did not offer salutations of peace. The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “How quickly your companion forgets! If one of you comes to a gathering, let him greet them with peace. If there is room for him to sit, let him sit. If he stands to leave, let him offer salutations of peace. The former duty is no different than the latter.”
Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 980
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Abu Umamah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, the best people to Allah are those who are first to greet with peace."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 5197
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The rider should greet with peace those who are walking, those who are walking should greet those who are sitting, and a small group should greet a larger group."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5880
Sahih Muslim 2160
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim